SkyNewswire.com

Chickasaw Cultural Center Opens July 24

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:00:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com) --- Located on 109 acres of rolling hills, woodlands and streams adjacent to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area near Sulphur, Oklahoma, the Chickasaw Cultural Center is the culmination of a vision born more than twenty years ago. Set to open July 24, the center utilizes the latest technology, live demonstrations, ancient artifacts and natural outdoor spaces to tell the Chickasaw story.

âChickasaw people have long dreamed of a special place to celebrate, embrace and share the culture and heritage which binds us together as a people,â said Bill Anoatubby, governor of the Chickasaw Nation. âThat dream has now become reality as we open a center which reflects the vision, imagination, resilience and spirit of the Chickasaw people.â Dreams of the center began more than 20 years ago and gained momentum over time. In October, 2000, more than 1,200 tribal citizens responded to a survey which asked for comments and suggestions regarding a Chickasaw Cultural Center. Language, beliefs, ceremonies, history and customs were among the most popular suggestions. Art and music, food and medicine, prominent Chickasaw men and women, and a living village with traditional dwellings were also mentioned.

âOutlaw Shamanism in the UKâ on July 13 âWhy Shamanism Now?â Radio Show with Host Christina Pratt

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 12:00:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com) --- Streaming live on the Co-Creator Radio Network (www.co-creatornetwork.com) on Tuesday, July 13, at 11 a.m. Pacific time/2 p.m. Eastern time, on her show "Why Shamanism Now?: A Practical Path to Authenticity,â shaman and founder of the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing Christina Pratt poses important questions frequently asked by contemporary practitioners, including: How do we honor our traditions and still keep our shamanic practices alive and potent? How do we walk that interface between traditional teachings and spirit driven innovation to discover how to rise to the call of what is needed today in an effective shamanic practice?

In this episode of âWhy Shamanism Now?â titled âOutlaw Shamanism in the UK,â Pratt notes that contemporary shamanic practitioners are a hugely diverse lot. And yet all are faced with the same challengeâthe need to be effective in their work. Pratt will addresses these issues in âOutlaw Shamanism,â a new weekend class she will be offering in at the upcoming Society of Shamanic Practitioners Conference taking place this September in Glastonbury, Somerset in the UK. The weekend is designed by Spirit for participants to explore the dynamic tensions in the life of a contemporary practitioner. According to Pratt, the challenge in looking only to the past is getting lost in the forms and not recognizing the functions that made the rituals and ceremonies of the past effective. The challenge looking only to the present is practicing forms that no longer function, accepting simplistic âanswers from spiritâ because there are no standards, and ignoring the effect of communities that do not respect the cultivation and energy renewal necessary for shamanic practitioners to practice with heartfelt power and without burning out. Pratt stresses to listeners that, in essence, in contemporary shamanic practice, we must learn what to bend and what must be broken.

Discover The Cultural Treasures Of Ibiza

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:40:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com) --- Ibiza may be best known as the home of dance music, drawing thousands of ravers from across Europe
to its world-leading nightclubs every summer, but the Balearic Island has a lot more to offer visitors who are interested in an insightful or relaxing holiday experience.

Anyone heading to Ibiza who isn't interested in clubbing will quickly learn to avoid the nightlife hotspots such as Ibiza Town; fortunately there are many excellent destinations around the coast and further inland that provide a haven of tranquillity away from the busy capital. One particularly scenic choice is Sant Joan de Labritja in the north of Ibiza, where visitors can explore the island's unspoilt natural beauty and discover the local culture of Ibicenco residents. Visiting areas of Ibiza where local customs still go strong offers a more authentic visitor experience than the glitz of the more developed towns. Discover why Ibiza earned the nickname of the White Island by seeing the famous whitewashed houses of its rural areas.

The 2010 CCIP Session A Kicks Off

Fri, 28 May 2010 02:50:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- The 2010 Cross-Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) officially kicked off with the orientations, both the pre-arrival and post-arrival briefings, which took place in Hong Kong and New York. Taking place every summer from May to August in New York City, the program emphasizes East-West cultural exchange and brings together university students from Asia and host companies in New York City, and prepares them for the new challenges of the global marketplace.

Divided into two seven-week sessions, the program has placed students in companies all around the NYC area which specialize in a variety of fields such as advertising, product design, pharmaceuticals, real estate, finance, law, nonprofit, etc.

Leith Ter Meulen, the President of Landair Project Resources, a company specializing in real estate and a second-year host company participant commented, "We had a wonderful experience with the interns last year. They were bright, inquisitive, and ready for whatever challenge we put before them. They also taught us important cultural lessons about doing business in China that we applied right away. Our whole team is so excited about participating in FUSIA's internship program for our second summer and we are eagerly looking forward to accomplishing a lot of work with the new interns between now and August."

Vision 2020 Announces National Initiative to Address Gender Equality Issues that Persist 90 Years After American Women Receive Right to Vote

Tue, 18 May 2010 02:50:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- WHAT: National project to advance gender equality, Vision 2020 announces selection of National Delegates from all 50 states and District of Columbia, to initiate âAn American Conversation about Women and Leadershipâ launching a 10-year project leading up to the Year 2020, the centennial of the ratification of the 19th amendment.

Across the leadership spectrum recent reports(1) show women are stalled at 18 percent â with numbers much lower among women of color. So few women are at the leadership table with men, and the country is not benefiting from their ideas, talent and experience.

WHEN:
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
9:30 a.m. Registration, Continental Breakfast
10 a.m. Announcement, Q&A
WHERE:
National Press Club
Zenger Room
529 14th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20045

Dance Foundation Degree Students to do Special Performance at Historic St Paul's Church in Deptford

Wed, 12 May 2010 19:40:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- Students of the Dance Foundation Degree will be doing two free performances on the grounds of the historic St Paul's in Deptford on 20 May 2010. These performances are part of the end year presentation by the first year students of this two-year program and they have aptly named the performance - "Passing Through". For this site-specific performance the Dance Foundation Degree students are collaborating with students from the Foundation Degree in Fashion and Photography run jointly at City & Islington College and London Metropolitan University. St Paul's was designed by architect Thomas Archer and built between 1712 and 1730. It is one of London's finest Baroque parish churches. It is the aim of the students that their performances, an inspiring fusion of African, Caribbean and contemporary dance styles accompanied by live drumming and percussion, will help to reflect the magnificence and splendour of this beautiful building.

The Dance Foundation Degree program is the result of a partnership between IRIE! dance theatre, City & Islington College and London Metropolitan University. It is the only course of its kind in the UK where African and Caribbean dance are given equal status alongside ballet and contemporary dance. It is designed to help students gain the necessary skills and knowledge to build a career path in areas on dance performance, education or community arts. The first students to complete this foundation degree program will be graduating in June of this year. The idea behind doing site-specific work is to demonstrate that dance can be performed in a variety of settings and is an art-form that should be open to all individuals. Beverley Glean, IRIE! dance theatre's Artistic Director said:

"We set this type of challenge for the students to help expand their minds and illustrate that dance performances should not only be thought of in the context of the proscenium arch."

Learn To Dance Hiphop - Let's Dance Louis

Mon, 10 May 2010 21:00:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- Dancing is a great form of exercise, especially the hip hop dance. Hip hop dance refers to social or choreographed dance styles primarily danced to hip hop music. This includes a wide range of styles like breaking, locking and popping which were developed by Black and Latino Americans in the 1970âs. The difference of hip hop dance from other form of dance is that itâs often freestyle in nature and hip hop dancers frequently engage in battles â formal or informal freestyle dance competition. Informal battles are usually performed in a cipher or circular dance space. This is what makes it a very exciting type of dance and also the reason why a lot of people both young and old wants to learn to dance hip hop. Free styling, battles and ciphers are key components of a hip hop dance.

In learning to dance hip hop, the dance is first broken down into combinations, then each combination is broken down into counts and each count is broken down into movements. The last part is that all the moves and all the combinations are put together and the dance is formed. You must learn the step-by-step combinations, and then put them together into dance, thatâs how you come up with a hip hop dance.

The first thing that you must do is to warm up before you start in order to achieve the maximum results. This is what most professional hip hop dancers do. The warm up will help your body move freely, thus prevent injuries as well. Hip hop is a very intense dance that builds balance, strong muscles and great figure.

Cultural Care Au Pairs Say: Happy "Host" Mother's Day!

Fri, 07 May 2010 11:00:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- Every year, thousands of young people ages 18-26 travel to the U.S. to live with American families to provide childcare for up to two years. They leave the comfort of their families and homes to immerse themselves in a new family, in a new culture. The success of this experience depends largely on the support system au pairs receive from the local childcare coordinator in their community, their au pair agency staff andâmost importantlyâfrom their host parents. âHost parentsâhost moms in particularâplay a huge role in ensuring a successful year with their au pairs. Au pairs need love and support, and they should be treated as an extended member of the family,â says Annette McGloin, host mom and Vice President at Cultural Care Au Pair.

Host moms who welcome au pairs through Cultural Care, the leading au pair agency in the U.S., are apparently doing a great jobâhundreds of au pairs wrote in to the company this week to express thanks to their host moms in honor of Motherâs Day. âShe is very kind and thoughtful, she is always available when I need her,â says Thai au pair Anisara Akka of host mom Annette Gilman in Hilton Head Island, SC. German au pair Olga Gorodezki says of her host mom Allison Erickson in San Diego, CA, âShe is always concerned about my well-being. She always says that if I need some advice or if I feel homesick or sad, I can always come and talk to her.â âI love my host mom because she is the best in every way,â shares Malin Johansson, a Swedish au pair who cares for Ulrika Drinkallâs children in Old Greenwich, CT. âIf I could rate her from 0-10, then I would rate her â10,ââ writes Thai au pair Wanwisa Chan-O about host mom Shivani Narasimhan in Glenelg, MD.

Many au pairs described their host moms as strong, successful women who they looked up to as role models. The also overwhelmingly agreed on one point: their host moms all find the time to spend lots of quality time with their children. Does this additional role end up burdening busy moms even more? âAbsolutely not,â says host mom Dawn Popp in Elkridge, MD. âParticipating in the au pair program has been a wonderful experience for our family, and we are grateful for All of the exceptional young women who we now consider to be part of our âinternational family,ââ says Jennifer Nichols, host mom in Atlanta, GA, âKeith will forever be like a younger sister to me. She is so loving and wonderful. I thank God every day for her involvement in our lives, especially the lives of my children. We are truly blessed.â

Gangs and Gang WarfarÐµ

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:20:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- ThÐµ word "gang" has a long history in our languagÐµ, and somÐµ of that history shÐµds light on contÐµmporary usÐµ of thÐµ tÐµrm and on prÐµsÐµnt social attitudÐµs toward dÐµsignatÐµd groups of adolÐµscÐµnts in our citiÐµs. In Ðµarly Ðnglish usagÐµ, "gang" was oftÐµn ÐµmployÐµd as a synonym for "a going, a walking, or a journÐµy"; in this sÐµnsÐµ it tracÐµs its origin to thÐµ Scandinavian languagÐµs. ThÐµrÐµ was also anothÐµr common mÐµaning of thÐµ word, onÐµ with an Anglo-Saxon dÐµrivation, which appÐµars in print as Ðµarly as 1340, and which is ÐµquivalÐµnt to "a numbÐµr of things usÐµd togÐµthÐµr or forming a complÐµtÐµ sÐµt." ThÐµ linguistic idÐµas of "a journÐµy" and "a sÐµt of things" wÐµrÐµ shortly combinÐµd so that "gang", camÐµ to stand for a crÐµw of a ship or companiÐµs of marinÐµrs.

This vÐµrbal rÐµprÐµsÐµntation of a group of maritimÐµ pÐµrsons functionally intÐµrrÐµlatÐµd ÐµxpandÐµd into thÐµ broadÐµr dÐµsignation of gangs as individuals joinÐµd togÐµthÐµr as rÐµcognizablÐµ ÐµntitiÐµs. ThÐµ word "gang" also acquirÐµd a dÐµrogatory connotation, possibly bÐµcausÐµ of thÐµ third Ðµarly mÐµaning attachÐµd to it, onÐµ which has long sincÐµ bÐµcomÐµ archaic, but which madÐµ "gang" synonymous with "privy." ChaucÐµr, for instancÐµ, writing about 1390 with charactÐµristic scatalogical zÐµst, likÐµns "fool wommÐµn" to a "common gongÐµ." WhÐµn SamuÐµl Johnson put togÐµthÐµr his dictionary in thÐµ latÐµ 1700's, hÐµ indicatÐµd that thÐµ word "gang" was "sÐµldom usÐµd but in contÐµmpt or abhorrÐµncÐµ," a viÐµw which is bornÐµ out in ShakÐµspÐµarÐµ's MÐµrry WivÐµs of Windsors, whÐµrÐµ a charactÐµr criÐµs out against "pandÐµrly rascals" and notÐµs that "thÐµrÐµ's a knot, a gang, a pack, a conspiracy against mÐµ."

ThÐµ Ðµtymology of thÐµ word "gang" providÐµs a starting point from which to ÐµxaminÐµ contÐµmporary social viÐµws about juvÐµnilÐµ gangs. ThÐµsÐµ social viÐµws arÐµ constructÐµd from an amalgam of fact, myth, and stÐµrÐµotypÐµ, and likÐµ all such viÐµws, thÐµy tÐµnd to Ðµlicit and to pÐµrpÐµtuatÐµ thÐµ procÐµss that thÐµy sÐµÐµk to dÐµscribÐµ. It is onÐµ of thÐµ notÐµworthy insights of social. sciÐµncÐµs that thÐµ isolation and labÐµlling of forms of bÐµhavior tÐµnd to solidify and somÐµtimÐµs to incrÐµasÐµ such bÐµhavior. LabÐµlling providÐµs a dÐµfinitional framÐµwork in its rÐµcognition of a phÐµnomÐµnon, adding a furthÐµr dimÐµnsion to its prÐµvious charactÐµristics. It is onÐµ thing to drink intoxicating bÐµvÐµragÐµs, but it isoftÐµn quitÐµ anothÐµr to violatÐµ thÐµ law by such bÐµhavior. It is onÐµ thing to hang around with a group of boys, but anothÐµr thing to bÐµ a mÐµmbÐµr of a gang; and thÐµ particular sÐµlf and social dÐµfinition impartÐµd to thÐµ bÐµhavior may somÐµtimÐµs grÐµatly affÐµct thÐµ bÐµhavior itsÐµlf.

A Global Standard for Gender Equality

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:10:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- Is there a global standard in gender equality? Could we use such a standard to hold companies across the world accountable for their progress in giving men and women equal opportunities? Today, a handful of countries, mostly in Europe and in Latin America, have implemented national certification systems that cover some aspects of gender equality. However, there is no global standard that can be applied by the world's largest companies across the countries in which they operate. Given the reach they have and the potential role that such companies could play â not only because of the hundreds of thousands of women and men they employ, but also as potential drivers of best practice policies â we believe that such a global standard could have a far-reaching impact.

With this idea in mind we set out to develop an assessment methodology that would enable companies to gain a comprehensive understanding of where they stand in terms of gender equality. This methodology can serve as a management tool and at the same time form the basis for setting a global standard in gender equality, and benchmarking companies against it. Companies that meet the standard will be recognized through a global label in gender equality, to be launched in January 2011 by our foundation, the Gender Equality Project. Our assessment tool focuses on five areas: equal pay for equivalent work, recruitment and promotion, training and mentoring, work-life balance, and company culture. In each of these areas, we seek to capture not only outcomes, but also the policies and practices that have proven to be effective in fostering equal opportunities between men and women in the workplace. Companies are scored on these quantitative and qualitative measures.

Today, few companies systematically measure their performance in these areas. According to a recent study published by the World Economic Forum, 72% of the companies surveyed - covering the largest companies in 20 OECD countries - report that they do not monitor the potential salary gaps between women and men in their companies. Similarly, 12% of these companies do not measure how many women occupy their entry-level management positions. Knowing that across the companies and countries included in the survey, only 5% of the CEO positions are held by women, suggests that there is still a ways to go towards gender equality in the workplace.

Oktoberfest in July? Absolutely! And More German Bang for the Summer Travel Buck

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:00:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- The enormous annual outdoor spectacle here called âRheinkirmes â Largest Fair on the Rhineâ takes place the third week in July (2010 dates: July 17 â 25) when the weather in Germany is at its best, and offers a serious alternative to the Oktoberfest in, well, October. However, there is nothing serious about it. In fact, youâll find even more fun things to do here, which gives the LFOTR a destination appeal for a wider audience, including families, art lovers, and the LGBT traveler. After all, this fair has been developing for 500 years. Thatâs 300 more than Oktoberfest.

Donât worry, thereâs still a beer area, about 42 acres, to be exact, covered with tents serving the world-famous local Alt brew and many culinary treats, enough to spend days (and nights) eating and drinking. Then there are the rides. To accommodate the huge number of fair-goers, a temporary amusement park is erected right on the river thatâs so big and modern it rivals some of the biggest permanent parks. State-of-the-art roller coasters and other amusement rides transform the skyline and turn the riverside into a kaleidoscope of lights and sounds. For even more excitement, on July 23, a major fireworks display will light up the DÃ¼sseldorf evening sky, to the awe of all who see it. There are also parades featuring thousands of marchers in uniforms and on horseback, as well as orchestra performances to complete the German fair experience and, like the city, bridge the traditional and the modern. Another example of tradition meeting today: For 20 years now, the Monday of the fair belongs to the LGBT community, and 50,000 members join the celebration, turning the day into âPink Monday.â Truly an event for everyone.

An evening of intrigue awaits at the Walsall Hospice Masquerade Ball

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:20:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- An evening of mystery and intrigue â and a touch of romantic Venice - is being promised at the first Walsall Hospice Midsummer Masquerade Ball.

Time is running out to buy early bird tickets for the glamorous black tie event, which takes place on Friday, June 4.
The dinner-dance at Walsall Football Club will see the Stadium Suite turned into a magical Midsummer Nightâs Dream-themed room for the evening as guests raise vital funds for the long-awaited Hospice.
Head of Fundraising Cheryl Bradburne said the inaugural ball would add a touch of colour and glamour to the town for the evening as partygoers sip Champagne and enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal before dancing the night away to two live bands and a disco.
And she is also hoping for a surprise special guest or two on the night might also add some fun and sparkle to the evening.
âWhat could be more alluring than black tie, party dresses and the added mystery of beautiful masks?â she asked.
After a year of news full of doom and gloom, it will be lovely for as many supporters as possible to come to the ball and immerse themselves in the glamour of the occasion.

Calling American Cowboys: Stages East! Come and enjoy our Cowboy Gathering

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:40:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- There is a new Cowboy Gathering, and it's in the East, East Tennessee to be precise, where all of the Old West will come alive April 1st through April 4th, 2010. While most of the Cowboy Gatherings are out West, a lot of Cowboys reside east of the Mississippi so now there is a Gathering just like the ones out West.

French Broad Outpost Ranch
French Broad Outpost Ranch
While many people are interested in today's modern things, the folks that love the days of the Cowboy, with cattle drives and wagon trains, from John Wayne to Clint Eastwood, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Hopalong Cassidy have come to enjoy these Gatherings as a way to celebrate that era. Back in the 19th century, Cowboys were pretty rough on themselves as well as the environment, but now there's a chance to make up for lost time.

The 1st Annual Wild West Days in Del Rio, Tennessee, is not only a Cowboy Gathering but a Charity event as well. Pledging 25% of the proceeds to Save the Hemlocks, we hope to make a dent in the destructive powers of a tiny invader. It might be like spitting in the wind trying to kill a near microscopic predator of that tree, but once Cowboys determine to do something they usually make it happen, one way or the other.

Ballroom Dance Steps For Beginners

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:10:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- If we are able to repeat an action the same way each time, then we are able to do dance steps. Dance steps occur when we move the weight of our body from one foot to the other within a time period dictated by the music. During every step, our foot must be supporting our body. When we finish a dance step with our weight on one foot, we then know which foot we are to move next. The goal is to not have our weight on two feet at any time.

It sounds simple, but it not so easy to do. It can take time for new dancers to complete a sequence of dance steps without conscious thinking and effort. However, this process can be accelerated when we understand that our body actually knows what to do and will do what it knows if we let it. The aim is for the couple to move as one on the dance floor.

All we have to do is commit our entire body to the step. This is so that we quickly find out as a couple what the dance steps actually feel like. If we do not know what the steps feel like, we will not be able to repeat them consistently. The commitment to the movement influences the direction we move in more than where we place our feet. By moving our body in the direction we want to go, our legs and feet will automatically move into this space.

Fantastique French Textile Retreat in Paris

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:50:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- If you've always wanted to learn how to paint on silk, and have dreamed of visiting Paris and being captured by her spells, then this is the adventure of your dreams.

The first evening will be spent enjoying a Champagne Cruise on the River Seine, followed by dinner in a delightfully typical French bistro.

Morning workshops are held in a private studio, and afternoons are spent meandering through ancient cobblestoned streets to find little treasures, drinking coffee or wine in sidewalk cafÃ©s, and getting to know the locals. A visit to a textile museum and a fashion parades also form part of the package, which includes accommodation (full details on the webpage).